Hank Williams, Jr. and Merle Haggard collaborate for a remake of Haggard’s early ’80s hit, ‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink,’ and turn it into half the song it used to be — literally. The new version is half as long, but fans will say it’s every bit as rebellious.

Lopped off are the extra instrumental breaks. Williams’ version also picks up the tempo to make this cut feel more at home among the country-rock songs of today. At the core of ‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink’ is still the same story of a stubborn country boy set to drink away any memories of his woman.

“Well I could be holding you tonight, / Could quit doin’ wrong, start doin’ right / You don’t care about what I think / So I think I’ll just stay here and drink,” Williams sings to open the song.

It’s a classic Williams, Jr. vocal performance, and his interplay with Haggard will make country traditionalists beam with pride. This song represents a break from the singer’s politicizing in song. Politics are something he won’t be talking about for a year or two, he tells Taste of Country.

Why Fans Will Love It: It’s back to basics Hank, and it includes the legendary Merle Haggard. Both still sound as rough and ready to fight as they always have. After 30-plus years, this song deserved a reboot.

Did You Know?: This song was first recorded for Haggard’s ‘Back to the Barrooms’ album, a great project from 1980. Also on that album are several drinking songs and another called ‘I Don’t Have Any More Love Songs,’ written by … Hank Williams, Jr.

Listen to Hank Williams Jr., ‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink’

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